Hi abecker.
For me, the work area is also very important.
Here are some tips on how to work, in case it helps you.
Learn the shortcuts of the commands. Tools - customize - Edit program parameters.
There you will find the shortcuts of the commands.
You do not have to learn them all, you will only learn the commands that you use most often.
I attached an image of my work area.
Above the ribon - minimize to panel titles
Just move the mouse over it, the commands are displayed downwards.
It is not necessary to completely remove the properties palette.
It is always good to have it active.
Just anchor on the sides of the screen and make it by icon.
In this way, just move the mouse over the icon will open the palette.
For example, on the left side of my screen, anchor the visual style, Layer, and references.
On the right side, I have anchored the properties and the calculator.
At the bottom of the screen, the command bar, the float, so occupies less space.
Set it to show two lines, if it is necessary to see more lines, active - F2 to expand the command window.
QPMODE always active, and for each object I configure the properties that I really need.
For example, for line, I only have it show, color, layer and length.
For polyline, I just have it show, color, layer, length, elevation and area.
And so you will configure the properties of each object.
And finally active dynamic imput - F12
Over time you will not depend on the command bar.
I hope you there helped.
If any answer was helpful, do not forget to like or accept a solution.
Again, excuse my English.

AutoCAD 2026
Visual Studio Code 1.99.3
AutoCAD AutoLISP Extension 1.6.3
Windows 10 (64 bits)